Mrs. Jane Celly Peake was born March 10, 1945, and passed away May 18, 2024.
Jane was born in Baltimore and was the first of two children. She grew up in Severna Park, Md., and enjoyed boating and crabbing as a child. Jane graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in mathematics.
She had a distinguished career with IBM and retired after 25 years of service. During her career she held many prominent positions in branch office marketing and sales. Then she became systems engineering manager in Richmond and instruction manager in Crystal City. Before retiring she was responsible for U.S. marketing and sales of some of IBM’s networking products.
Her joys throughout her life were gardening, playing bridge, book clubs, and participating in service organizations. Her legacy in community service began as a child and continued throughout her life, as she served on the board of directors for the Mountaintop Boys Home in Atlanta and supported various charities for women and youth.
In Virginia she was a Coast Guard Auxiliary member for 16 years. She taught boating safety courses to the public, held a number public facing staff positions, and served as the flotilla commander during her tenure. She worked directly with USCG Command to organize the first Pony Penning week Coast Guard base open house. Additionally, she was certified by the Coast Guard to teach operational risk management to Coast Guard personnel.
Jane was an active member of the Accomack County Woman’s Club and Ye Accawmacke Garden Club. She was a driving force in the Chincoteague Garden Club. Jane was chair of the board of directors of the Chincoteague Island Arts Organization. In addition to operations, she was focused on expanding the social presence of the Chincoteague Island Arts Organization.
Jane was a potent force in whatever she engaged in and will be sorely missed by this world.
Jane is survived by her husband of 33 years, Warren Peake; stepchildren Barbara, Patricia, and David; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sister, Diane Eikner and her husband, Reid; and several nieces and nephews. Jane was preceded in death by her parents Marne and Audrey Celly.
Jane’s celebration of life will be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Jane can be made in her name to Eastern Shore Coalition Against Domestic Violence or the Boys and Girls Club of SEVA Eastern Shore Unit.
Services are entrusted to Salyer Funeral Home, Inc. on Chincoteague Island. Condolences may be made online at www.salyerfh.com
